Cleaning and detergents

CLEANING AFTER LAYING

Once the work has been completed, correct cleaning is compulsory. is indispensable to dissolve and remove residues of grout completely using buffered acids diluted in hot water (Italon recommends cleaning products as ITALON A-CID or FILA DETERDEK, 1 liter in 5 liter of water), which must then be removed completely and quickly, rinsing the floor with plenty of water to avoid residues or drops on the floor which could damage the tiles. Leave the product to take effect on the wet floor, do not allow to dry, and rub with sponge, then rinse with plenty of water and check that the floor is free from detergent residues. If necessary, repeat the operation with a higher concentration (1:2, 1:3) We recommend a preliminary wash on a sample surface area of a few square metres; if successful, proceed with cleaning the whole surface. After washing, an alkaline or basic wash must be carried out using degreasing detergents like ITALON B-ASE or FILA CLEANER. This is because the acid wash may make the floor sticky, which could cause it to retain dirt.

DAILY CLEANING

Italon strongly advises against the use of waxes, oil soap, stains and other treatments (water-oil repellents) on porcelain stoneware. For everyday cleaning, Italon recommends the use of neutral cleaning product. Often, some detergents available on the market contain wax or polishing additives, which after several washes may leave a shiny film on the floor. To avoid this, periodically use an alkaline detergent of the kind ITALON B-ASE or FILA CLEANER and rinse after washing.

EXTRAORDINARY CLEANING

For stubborn stains, not deletable with normal cleaning, use specific products with great care following the instructions provided by the manufacturer scrupulously. Always test a small piece before using detergent products, particularly on polished and honed porcelain stoneware.

Non-organic stains

Type of dirty Solution
Cement, cement-based grout, coloured grout, coal, calcium efflorescence, chalk, metal marks, rust, graphite, emulsion paint

 Acid detergent like ITALON A-CID 
   

 

Organic stains

Type of dirty Solution
Animal fats, vegetable fats, mustard, ketchup, linseed oil, wax, coca cola, coffee, wine, beer, ice cream, mayonnaise, jam, urine, blood, vomit, shampoo, lipstick Alkaline detergent like ITALON B-ASE
Tyre marks, sole marks Abrasive paste

Synthetic stains

Type of dirty Solution
Resins and glazes, coal and natural rubber, silicon or mechanical oils, candle wax, paint, ink, indelible pen, chewing gum, silicon Solvents
chewing gum, silicon Ice+scraper

(*) IMPORTANT: Acid products may corrode marble, granite, natural stone and metal.
Avoid using in the presence of decoration or inserts in these materials.

ITALON A-CID

It’s a powerful acid-based detergent designed for porcelain stoneware. It allows you to remove residual cementbased colored grout, traces of plaster, joint filler and other dirt originating from construction. It’s ideal to removedeep-seated dirt from the porcelain surface.Don’t use it to remove traces of epoxy based grout. Avoid any contact with metal, wooden and natural stonesurfaces (granite, marble). When using the product wear plastic gloves and aerate the room.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Dilute in hot water (1:5). In case of stubborn dirt, repeatthe cleansing using a higher concentration (1:2, 1:3).Distribute it evenly with a sponge or an automatic brush.Leave the detergent to act for some minutes dependingon the amount of dirt. Don’t leave it to dry up in anycase!

2. Use the synthetic brush to clean the surface and removeany dirt residue

3. Collect any residue with a cloth or a water vacuumcleaner

4. Rinse the surface with clean hot water and repeatthe procedure several times, changing the water andcarefully cleaning the brushes and cloth etc to leaveno traces of dirt. Check the package for more detailed information.

ITALON B-ASE

It’s a alkaline-based detergent for porcelain stoneware. It was designed to remove dirt of organic origin (wine, coffee, blood, grease, lipstick, cola etc...). If the detergent is used at a low concentration, it can be used for the daily cleaning of porcelain stoneware surfaces. When using the product wear plastic gloves and aerate the room.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Dilute in hot water (1:5). In case of stubborn dirt, repeat the cleansing using a higher concentration (1:2, 1:3). Distribute it evenly with a sponge or an automatic brush. Leave the detergent to act for some minutes depending on the amount of dirt. Don’t leave it to dry up in any case!;

2. Use the synthetic brush to clean the surface and remove any dirt residue;

3. Collect any residue with a cloth or a water vacuum cleaner;

4. Rinse the surface with clean hot water and repeat the procedure several times, changing the water and carefully cleaning the brushes and cloth etc to leave no traces of dirt. Check the package for more detailed information